Panel discusses impact of sea level change on infrastructure

LONG BEACH >> Future sea-level rise is inevitable, but it’s the possibility of associated storm surges that most concerns California infrastructure officials, according to panelists at a hearing Friday at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

With a 55-inch sea level rise some scientists predict by 2100 due mostly to increased global temperature, about 3,500 miles of roads would be at risk of flooding during a 100-year flood event, almost double the current risk, said Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute Water Program co-director.

Research conducted by the institute also found that similar events, defined as a flood with a 1 percent chance of occurring in a given year, would also endanger 30 power plants and 28 wastewater treatment plants along the state’s 840-mile coastline.

Cooley said the problem calls for refining the science on risks, managing the impacts and educating citizens on the topic.

“While I think public understanding about sea-level rise is probably more advanced than some of the other climate impacts, we still have a long way to go in terms of bringing people in and increasing awareness around these issues,” Cooley said.

For managers of California’s ports, the challenges posed by rising seas are not about the often politically-charged topic of climate change.

Richard Cameron, acting managing director for Environmental Affairs and Planning at the Port of Long Beach, said regardless of the differing opinions, oceans will rise in the next century.

“It’s not so much debating it, it’s preparing for it,” said Cameron.

To do that, Long Beach’s port is engaging in a three-year study to assess and develop a plan to manage climate change impacts on wharves, roads, stormwater systems, utilities and operations at the nation’s second busiest container port, Cameron said.

The neighboring Port of Los Angeles, the busiest U.S. container port, is engaging in similar measures, said Chief Harbor Engineer Tony Gioiello.

When replacing important infrastructure, Port of Los Angeles officials are building to avoid or withstand sea level impacts within the project’s life cycle, according to Gioiello.

He also said the federal government will need to come up with a plan to address the 8.5-mile breakwater protecting San Pedro Bay.

“There’s going to have to be some kind of modification, especially to deal with a 55-inch rise,” said Gioiello.

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Friday’s panel was convened by the Assembly’s Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy and the Select Committee on Ports.

Gordon said the purpose of the joint-hearing, the third on the topic, was to eventually issue a report to the Legislature to assist in developing ways to handle the effects of rising oceans.

Lowenthal, in opening the conference, stressed the importance of protecting the infrastructure relied upon by the state’s seaports, which she called the gateways to the rest of America.

“I’m hopeful that all of us at the state and local levels in both the public and private sectors can find ways to collaborate in confronting sea level rise just as we have already begun to do in terms of climate change,” Lowenthal said.

Eric Bradley can be reached at 562-499-1254.

About the Author

Eric Bradley covers Long Beach City Hall and politics. He joined the Press-Telegram in August 2011 and previously reported for the Daily Breeze and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Reach the author at eric.bradley@langnews.com
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